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The post claims to show 'new CDC guidelines' for schools trying to reopen. The VERIFY team found they’re accurate, but leave out the full information.

Author: VERIFY, Jason Puckett (TEGNA), David Tregde

Published: 4:59 PM PDT May 21, 2020

Updated: 4:59 PM PDT May 21, 2020

A viral post online claims to be new guidelines for going back to schools from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There’s talk of canceling all field trips, installing sneeze barriers and only bringing lunch from home.

In total, the post lists 14 guidelines and viewers wanted VERIFY to find out if they were true. The team used the CDC's “Considerations for Schools” webpage to answer that question.

Credit: VERIFY

THE QUESTION:

Does the viral “new CDC guidelines for reopening schools” post actually show real recommendations from the federal government?

THE ANSWER:

The viral post shows some but not all of the guidelines the CDC updated on Tuesday, May 19.

It does oversimplify a few of the guidelines though. And it’s important to note that the CDC published this to assist schools making plans. It is not any sort of regulation, requirement or mandate.

WHAT WE FOUND:

The CDC’s official “Considerations for Schools” page is a long write up meant to offer options to state and local officials who are working to reopen.

It actually explicitly states that “these considerations are meant to supplement -- not replace -- any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations.” Also adding that “implementation should be guided by what is feasible, practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs for each community.”